Monsters Inc by Grant Gilliland
What is it about Monsters, Inc. that so inspires our PixArt artists? Perhaps it is the film’s creativity because the film has definitely been a popular choice on our PixArt page and we continue to be impressed by the artwork we have received! When the art is this good, who’s complaining? Check out this wonderfully stylized take on our favorite citizens of Monstropolis provided by San Francisco artist Grant Gilliland. We love the Clasky Csupo vibe! Check out more about the artist in his own words below.
Name:
Grant Gilliland
Website/Blog/Portfolio:
Portfolio: www.seegrantdraw.com
Blog: www.thegrossuncle.com
I currently live in:
San Francisco, California.
I consider my hometown to be:
The Midwest, far away, and covered in snow right now! I’m talking about good old Dayton, Ohio. I also lived in Columbus for four years while I was attending school at the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD).
My Favorite Pixar Movie is:
Monsters, Inc. – I remember buying the “The Art of Monsters, Inc.” book when I was a sophomore in college, and basically being obsessed with it. I loved seeing the sketches and the thought processes behind the look of the movie. Some of my favorite art in the book didn’t fully make it into the film, but you could tell that each piece influenced the overall feel of the final presentation.
My Favorite Pixar character is:
Mike Wazowski is a really great example of simple design – he is a great contrast to some of the crazier, more intricate looking characters in Monsters, Inc. Also the idea of a monster with a proper first and last name is quite entertaining to me.
Tell us about your piece:
My piece is Mike, Sully, and Boo from Monsters, Inc. It’s kinda wavy, sort of hairy, and has seven eyes total. I like the idea of these three as a group of friends…they transcend boundaries. They are mischievous looking, but warm characters.
Who/What inspires you?
I think a good song inspires me to be creative…when I get motivated, I usually listen to a lot of music. Funny little phrases are also really inspiring to me. If I get an idea in my head, I’ll write it down, or post it to my Twitter as a sort of verbal illustration. It’s usually something with a sing-songy feel that conjures up a visual, often on the cusp of disturbing.
Recommend something, anything to our readers:
I recommend watching episodes of Mystery Science Theater 3000, drinking coffee, and taking time out to refresh your creative mind. Also, I would say go to thrift stores for painting surfaces instead of art stores – it saves money, and your work will look more unique!
Where can we follow your work?
- Please check out the website for “Theo”, a great children’s story written by author Kentucky Lim, and illustrated by yours truly.
- My Flickr photostream
- My Twitter page
- For freelance work, I am represented by Scott Hull Associates
Thanks a lot!
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